Extension leaf for folding table



EXTENSION LEAF FOR FOLDING TABLE Filed Oct. 2, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 28, 1960 1. B. RACHMAN ETAL 2,942,921

EXTENSION LEAF F OR FOLDING TABLE Filed Oct. 2, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 isacioreBRoczman dney B0 66 s 4M1 4 12% 6 iforzzeg United States Patent EXTENSION LEAF FOR FOLDING. TABLE Isadore B. Rachman and Sidney Bobb, Philadelphia, Pa., assignors, by mesne assignments, to H 81 L Realty Corp, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsyl- Vania Filed Oct. 2, 1956, Ser. No. 613,410

6 Claims. (Cl. 311-103) The present invention relates to portable folding tables of the type in which the legs fold up, and in some cases the top also folds in half to enclose the folded-up legs, to provide compactness and ease of transportation; and it relates more particularly to tables of this type wherein the table top is provided with end leaves or extensions to increase the area of the top.

It has heretofore. been proposed to provide portable folding tables with an extension leaf pivotally connected to each of the end walls of the table top so as to increase the available table top area. One example of this hinged leaf construction is shown in the expired patent to Mus selman, No. 1,431,172, dated October 10, 1922. In this type of construction, each leaf requires a pair of braces running from its outer free edge diagonally downward and inward, and usually pivotally connected to the folding table legs, to provide the needed support in its open horizontal position. This pivoted leaf constructionhas certain marked disadvantages. Thus, in the leaf-open position, the braces get in the way of the knees of anyone seated at the leaf portion of the table and make it undesirable for the leaf portions to be used for seating purposes. In the leaf-closed position, the pivoted leaf extends downward a substantial distance from the outer edge of the table top and, by making it impossible for the knees to be extended beneath the table top, renders both of the end edges of the top unusable for seating purposes.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an extension leaf construction for a portable folding table which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art and which provides optional added top area without interfering in any way with use of the leaf portions for seating purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extension leaf for a portable folding table which does not require diagonal supporting braces and which, instead, possesses suflicient-structural strength to withstand normal stresses without any underlying support whatever and, indeed, actually increases, rather than decreases, the. structural strength and rigidity of the table top at the outer corners thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable folding table extension leaf which can be completely removed when not needed; which can be quickly and easily installed; and which is readily convertible so as to provide either an ordinary fiat uninterrupted table top surface or one or more specialized holders for heating food, holding food containers or dishes, etc. 7

Other objects and advantages of the present invention are. apparent in the following detailed description, ap-

parent to, those skilled in the art, can be made without 2,942,921 Patented June 28, 1960 departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention.

Referring to the acompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate like parts throughout;

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a foldingtop portable table with the extension leaf of the present invention mounted thereon.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional View, taken generally along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Figure 4 is a further enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a covering panel or insert intended for use with the extension leaf of Fig. 1.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the extension leaf of Fig. l removed from the table and with the panel of Fig. 5 installed.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line -7--7 of Fig. 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing another panel or insert which can be used eithe'i in lieu of, or in conjunction 'with the panel of Fig. 5.

Figure 9 is a perspective view like that of Fig. 6 but showing the insert or panel of Fig. 8 installed on the extension leaf.

Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken -generally along the line 10-40 of Fig. 9 and showing the detachable candle holderintended for use with the panel of Fig. 8. V Figure 11 is a of Fig. 10.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view, like that of Fig. 4, but showing another embodiment with modified fastening elements.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view, corresponding generally to that of Fig. 10, but showing both the panels of Figs. 8 and 5 installed upon the extension leaf.

Figure 14 is a perspective view, like that of Fig. 6, but showing a continuous and unapertured top construction in an extension leaf forming another embodiment of this invention.

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, generally like that of Fig.2, but showing the leaf of Fig. 14 installed on a table. 7

In Figs. 1-4, an extension leaf forming one embodiment of the present invention is shown mounted upon a portable folding table 20 like that shownin Cohen and Pucci Patent 2,542,394, dated February 20, 1951. The table 20 .Will be described herein only to the extent necessary foran understanding of the manner of mounting the extension leaf thereon and reference is made to Patent 2,542,394 for a more complete disclosure of the construction of said table. .-Thus, the table 20 includes a pair of identical rectangular top sections 22 hingedly secured together at each side bya pair .of hinges 24; Each top section has a depending fiange 26 extending around its full perimeter; the flange having an inturned lower edge 28 thereby providing each top section with a marginal edge of inwardly facing channel-shaped formation. The two elements of each hinge 24 are rivetedto the-adjoining ends perspectitve view of the candle holder of the side flanges ofthe respective top sections so that v the top sections can be positioned either in the coplanar end-to-end open position shown in- Fig. 1 or in parallel side-by-side closed position (not shown herein) wherein the edges 28 of the two sections are in juxtaposition. The depth of the marginal channel ofieach top section is such as to provide adequate space to accommodate/the folded supporting legs of the table whenthe top sections are in their above-mentioned parallel side-by-sideclosed posi tron. M

3. Operatively associated with each top section 22 is a generally U-shaped supporting or leg member 30. The top free end of each of the two vertical legs of each member 30 is pivotally connected, as at 32, to a longitudinally I shiftable member 34 nested within the corresponding longitudinally extending side channel of the top section. As shown in Fig. 4, each member 34 is of channel-shaped cross-section and fits snugly within the inwardly facing side channel of the top section 22.

As shown in Fig. 3, the shiftable member 34 is provided with a longitudinal slot 36. Projecting through said slot 36 and through an appropriate hole in the side flange 26 is a fixed pivot pin 38, in the form of an oppositely headed rivet or stud. A link 40 is pivotally connected at one end to the inner end of the pin 38, while the other end of the link is pivotally connected, as at 42, to the vertical leg of the member 30 at a point spaced appreciably from the top pivot 32 so that, in the open leg position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the link 40 extends diagonally intermediate the side flange 26 and the vertical leg. 7

In closing the table, the leg member 30 is manually swung upward (clockwise in Fig. 3) about the pivotr42, causing the member 34 to'be longitudinally shifted (Within the side channel of the top section) outward (toward the right in Fig. 3) so that the outer end of the member 34 is moved from the position of Fig. 3 (wherein it is' spaced substantially inward from the outer edge of the top section 22) toa position (not shown) in which it is adjacent the outer edge of the top section. In the ,open

position of Figs. 1 and 3, the inner end of one of the 'members '34 of each top section 22 protrudes into the aligned side channel of the other top section so as to a a In adapting the table to receive the extension leaf' of the present invention at the outer edge of each top section 22, we modify each shiftable member 34 so that it can 'make detachable engagement with a fastening member to lock the extension leaf to the top section. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, an embossment 44 having a centralaperture 46 is formed on the inner side of the member 34, preferably at a point near its outer free end (at which the pivot pin 32 is mounted). A hole'48 is formed in eachside flange 26 at a point such that it will be in alignment withthe aperture 46 when the member 34 is centeredrelationship to said aperture.

, The extension leaf 58' of Figs. 1 and 2 includes an elon-' gated geiie'rally rectangular panel 60 of sheet metal or the like, whose length is the same as the. width of the table top-section 22'. The panel 60 is provided with depending side or end flanges 62 and similar flanges 64 and 66 along its outer and inner edges respectively; all

,of the-flanges preferably" having inturned lower edges.

For'rea'sons which will become apparent, the-flanges 62,

and 66 'are preferably made slightly narrower than the table top flanges 26. t V

The panel 60 is provided with a largeelongated rect a'ngular opening-68 having aslightly depressed peripheral shoulder70i An elongated rectangular fire-pot 72 of sheet metalorthe like having vent holes 74 formed therein is adapted" to be removably' positioned the opening- 68 and has a peripheral shoulder 76 which rests on the 4 shoulder 70 in flush relationship with the panel 60, as shown in Fig. 2.

The fire-pot 72, which is intended to hold burning charcoal or the like and to serve as a barbecue, is provided with a cover grill 78 to support food beingroasted over the open fire.

The extension leaf 58 also includes a pair of mounting arms 80. Each arm 80 is of channel section with a vertical web 82 and inwardly facing top and bottom flanges 84 and 86 respectively. The web 82, which is fastened to the side flange 62 by rivets 88, is somewhat widerthan the flange 62 so that the top and bottom flanges 84 and 86 are spaced from the top of the panel and from the inturned bottom edge of the flange 62 respectively, so as to provide slight clearances therebetween, as best shown in Fig. 2.

The arms 80 are substantially longer than the side flanges 62 and extend inward appreciably beyond the inner edge of the panel 60. These protruding portions of the arms 80 are constructed and arranged to be fitted over the side flanges 26 of the open table top section 22 and to be slid longitudinally inward until the inner flange 66 of the leaf panel 60 comes up against the outer end flange of the top section 22, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2. As mentioned above, the flange Width of the extension panel is slightly less" than the flange width of the table top section, so that thetopand bottom flanges 84 and 86 of the arms 89, while'spaced apart from the extension panel, fit snugly about the side channel sections of the table top, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 4. p

The inner flange 66 of the'ex'tension leaf panel 60 may beprovided with a dimple 90, to accommodate .a snap fastener element 92 mounted on the outer end flange 26 of the tabletop section and thereby to enablethe flanges as and 26 to be brought into abutment, as indicated in Fig. 2.

The mounting arms 80 are formed of steel or other 2 suitable material of suflicient thickness and strength (as distinguished frona the thin light-weight sheet or the like used for the panel 69 and the table top sections 22) to enable the extension leaf 58 adequately to support any normal load without buckling or otherwise failing; The length of-the mounting arms 80 is preferably at least twicethe' length of the side flanges 62 so that the protruding portions of the arms at least equal the longitudinal dimension of the panel 60$ The length of said mounting arms shouldals'o' be suflicient to permit their free ends to overlap the outer ends" of the shiftable members 34 in the leg-open position, asshown in Figs. 3 and 4. Since the shiftable members 34 are also of steel or the like, having'much greater structural strength than the'sheet aluminum or the'like" used for the top sections 22, this snugly fitting overlap of the mounting arms 80 upon the shiftable mernbers' 34in effect provides more or less continuous structural supporting and stifiening frame members extending. all the'way along both sides of the table and its extension" leaves to provide an extremely strong and rigid structure. v p

' Indeed, the mounting of the extensionleaf 58 in this manner actually adds to thestrength and rigidity of the table top' -sections at the; outer corners, which normally represent relatively weak points. since, in the open position, there is no inne'r reinforcement for the sheet metal outer corners because the stronger shiftable'members terminate an appreciable distance: short" of the outer edge of the top section, as describedabove.

For many purposes, it has b found that the" snug friction fit of: the channel-sectionmounting 80 about the side edges of the table top section 22 is adequate, without other connectingnieans, to support the extension i'eafss.

However, in rder .toensureeven greater" strength and rigidity, 'as'wellas to guard against inadvertentoutward 80 and the table top. This may be done by forming holes 94 in the .webs 82 of said arms somewhat inward of their free ends at a point such that, when the extension leaf is in the installed position of Figs. 1 and 2, each hole 94 is in alignment with the hole 48 in the table topside flange 26 and with the hole 46 and nut 50 of the member 34 (in the leg-open position of said member 34), as shown in Fig. 4.

A screw-threaded wing-bolt 96 is constructed and arranged to be inserted through the aligned holes 94, 48 and 46 and to be engaged with the nut 50 and tightened, so as securely to lock the arm 80 of the shiftable member '34. I g

' This not only provides a more positive and secure support for the extension leaf but also positively locks the shiftable member 34 in the leg-open position and protects against any inadvertent blow or attempt to close the leg members 30 whilelthe wing-bolt is in place, since the latter prevents movement of the member 34. Thus,

wholly apart from any look which may be provided as part of the table itself, the extension leaf connecting means guards against inadvertent collapse of the leg members while the table is in use.

An asbestos gasket 98 may be positioned on the peripheral shoulder 70, beneath the fire-pot shoulder 76, to re duce heat-conduction from the fire-pot and to prevent the extension leaf panel 60 from becoming dangerously hot.

The extension leaf 58 may beprovided with a removable insert panel 100, shown in Fig. 5, which may be of sheet metal, of a size and shape corresponding generally to the panel 60, and having a depending flange or skirt 102 formed along one of its longer edges. The panel 100 is adapted to be slipped into the leaf 58 with its skirt outermost so that it covers the panel 60, the side edges of the panel 100 fit into the clearance provided by the top flanges 84 of the two mounting arms 80, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

The insert panel 100 thus provides the extension leaf with a continuous and imperforate top surface. This can serve as a hot plate when the fire-pot is in use. Instead, the imperforate surface can be used as additional dining or serving area when there is not any fire in the fire-pot. In the latter case, the empty fire-pot can be left in place (the depressed shoulder 70 enabling the insert panel to clear the fire-pot shoulder 76 as shown in Fig. 7) or, instead,- the empty fire-pot can be lifted out and stored when not in use.

. The extension leaf 58 may be provided with another removable insert panel 104, shown in Fig. 8, which may be of sheet metal, of a size and shape corresponding generally to the panel 60, and having a depending flange or skirt 106 formed .along one of its longer edges. The insert. panel 104 may be provided with a plurality of circular openings 108, adapted to receive and hold tapered drinking glasses or the like in partially depending position, and also a larger circular opening 110, adapted to hold a beverage container, such as a coffee maker or teapot. The openings 108 and .110 are located within the limits of the panel opening 68 so that, when the fire-pot 72 has been removed, the panel 104 can be slipped into place (with its skirt outermost and its side edges fitting into the clearance below the top flanges 84) over the panel 60, the glasses can protrude downward through said opening 68,

The insert panel 104 may be provided with a detachable candle-holder 112, shown in Fig. 11, adapted to be mounted beneath the larger opening 110 in the manner shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

The candle-holder 112 is provided with a pair of spaced upwardly-extending fingers 114 of somewhat resilient sheet metal or the like; the upper ends of the fingers being bent outward to provide flanges 116.

Slits 118 are formed in the panel 104 diametrically of the opening; the slits being parallel to each other and having a width sufficient to accommodate the flanges 116 and being spaced apart a distance slightly less than the normal spacing of the fingers 114.

The candle-holder is installed from below, after the panel 104 has beeninstalled on the extension leaf 58, by slightly compressing the two fingers 114, passing the flanges .116 upward through the slits 11-8, and then releasing the resilient fingers so that they spring apart to bring the flanges 116 into overlying relationship to the outer edges of the slits 118, as best shown in Fig. 10. Compressing the fingers 114 permits their withdrawal from the slits 118 in an obvious manner.

With the vapertured insert panel 104 installed, the extension l eaf 58 provides a convenient and secure holder for a beverage container and glasses directly adjacent the main serving area provided by the table top sections 22. Instead of providing the holes 108 and 110 in a separate insert panel, it is, of course, possible to modify the extension leaf panel 60 by eliminating the rectangular opening 68 and to form the circular holes or openings .108 and 110, aswell as the slits -118, directly in said panel 60 in an obvious manner. v

The novel extension leaf of the present invention can be used with various types of portable foldable tables and is not restricted to use with the table 20 described above.

Thus, in Fig. 12, the extension lea-f mounting arm 80 is shown attached to a table 20-A which does not employ shiftable members 34 for the legs, which can be mounted in any other suitable manner, as for example in the way shown in PucciPatent No. 2,666,683, dated January 19, 1954.

In this embodiment, the nut 50 is brazed or otherwise suitably fastened to the inside of the depending side flange 26-A in alignment with the hole 48-A in said side flange.

The wing-bolt 96 passes through the hole 94 in the web 82 of the mounting arm and also thnough the hole 48-A in making engagement with the nut 50, so as to lock the extension leaf to the table 20-A in the manner described above in connection with the embodiment of Figs. l-4.

Of course, instead of having the nut brazed to the flange 26-A, it could be fastened to said flange in other ways, as for example by forming an embossment in the flange 26-A and providing a nut holder 52, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4.

It is possible to employ, with the extension leaf 58, both insert panels 100 and 104. Thus, as shown in Fig. 13, the panel .100 may be inserted on the underside of the panel 60 (after removal of the fire-pot 72), with its side edges fitting into the clearances provided by the mounting arm bottom flanges 86 and with its skirt 102 oute most and extending upward. The apertured insert panel 104 (with .the candle-holder removed) is then inserted with its side edges fitting into the clearances provided by the top flanges 84 in the manner described above and shown in Fig. 9, wherein the skirt 106 is outermost and extends downward.

The lowermost panel 100 provides underlying support for the drinking glasses and is particularly useful with glasses which cylindrical rather than tapered, or which are too small to be gripped by the circular openings 108 in the panel 104. 7

Additionally, as shown in Fig. 13, the panels 100 and 104 form a generally enclosed compartment within which the lower portions of the glasses are disposed. Ice or solid carbon dioxide can be placed in this compartment to help in keeping the glass contents cool.

In Figs. 14 and 15, there is shown a modified form I of extension leaf 58-A forming another embodiment of ;8A, clearances are no wager needed between the mounting arm flanges s4 in est? and the panel 60-A. Accordingly, the panel flanges 625A, 644A and 66-V'A are made the same width as the table top fla ges 26, as shown in Fig. 15 (instead of being slightly narrower as in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2) "so that they occupy the entire distance between the mounting arm flanges 84 and 86.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms and, therefore, the foregoing embodiments are to be considered in all respeci merely as illustrative and not restrictive; reference made to the appended claims as indicating thesco'pe of this invention.

' 'sion'leaf panel corresponding in length to the width or" the table top sections but" somewhat smaller in longitudinal dimension than said table top'sectio'n, said leaf panel having depending peripheral flangesformed along 7 its sides and ends, a pair of parallel elongated mounting arms securedly fastened to the endflangcs of -the leaf panel and protruding in only one direction appreciably therebeyond, said protruding arm portions being slidable inwardlyin juxtaposition to the table topside flanges to enabl'e the extension leaf panel to be positioned along the outer end flange of the table top section, and means for detachably' securing each protruding arm portion to the corresponding table top side flange and to the shiftable member when said member is in its leg-open position, said detachable securing means comprising a threaded bolt and complementary threaded fastening means provided on a shiftahle member, the table top side flange and the protruding arm portion being provided with openings which are in alignment with said complementary fastening means when the shiftable member is in its leg-open position and the extension leaf is in installed position, said bolts' being insertable from outside the protruding arm portion through the aligned open- 8' ings and angag eabl'e with the complementary fastening means on the shiftable member.

2. A construction according to claim 1 wherein the shiftable member is provided with aninwardly directed embossrnent provided with a somewhat oversize opening which'is in alignment with the other two aligned openings in the leg-open position of the shiftable memher, and wherein the complementary fastening means comprises a threaded nut or ,the like mounted on the inner face of said embossment. g

3. A construction according to claim 2 wherein the nut is mounted on the embossment by a holding member having spaced flanged sprin'g fingers 'which extend through, and grip the edges of, the opening in the embossinentf n 7 7 l 4. A construction" according to claim 1 including an imperforate insert panel mounted on said leaf panel.

5. A construction according to claim 1 including an insert panel provided with one or more openings smaller than, and located within the area of, the leaf panel aperture. v

6. A construction according to claim 1 including an insert panel provided with an opening smaller than, and located within the area of, the leaf panel aperture, the periphery of said insertpanel opening being adapted to support a hot-liquid container, and wherein a candle holder is removably mountedfon' the underside of the insert panel below said'o'pening.

References Cited in theme ofthii's arent 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS I 7,789 Shoenberger 2 Nov. 19, 1850 639,611 Randall Dec. 19,1899

' 1,086,232 Sedaj 'Feb. 3, 1914 1,681,406 Hengehold Aug. 21, 1928 1,952,749 Ellis a Mar. 27, 1934 2,292,797 4 Roberts Aug. 11, 1942 2,399,576 Shoop et al. Apr. 30, 1946 2,498,998 Mowrer et a1 Feb. 28, 1950 2,533,147 Sparks Dec. 5, 1950 2,542,394 Cohen et a1. Feb. 20, 1951 2,667,392 Sexton a Jan. 26, 1954 2,673,774 Prima Mar. 30, 1954 2,679,243 Lee May 25, 1954 2,737,430 Ess u Mar. 6, 1956 Vance Jan. 1, 1957 

